What to do when you see an unprofessional personal trainer?

by Kathryn Weihen | Monday, November 14, 2011

As fitness professionals, where do we draw the line in pulling up our colleagues when using incorrect techniques whilst training their clients?
 
During my own training sessions I often see clients performing exercises incorrectly while under the supervision of their personal trainer. All too often I see lunges performed incorrectly, free weights being lifted with poor technique and clients being instructed to do exercises that are too advanced for them. This unprofessional approach to training could stem from a lack of experience on the part of the personal trainer, lack of competence, or simply a poorly designed program.

Is it our position to say something - or to just let it ride?
 
As the fitness industry grows, the number of new trainers is increasing and therefore the percentage of inexperienced trainers is growing. As with any new job, there are many skills that can only be learned through experience.
 
Should we be creating an ethic within the fitness community whereby experienced trainers feel comfortable to offer advice to newcomers, and for the newcomers to receive that advice with gratitude? Surely this would be of benefit to the industry as a whole and - most importantly - for the clients that we serve?
 
Where does our responsibility lie?

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